ES2861320T3 - Limit for capacity reduction scheme used in wind turbine control - Google Patents

Abstract

A method (600) for controlling a wind turbine (100), the method comprising: receiving (602), by means of one or more control devices (320), data indicative of one or more environmental conditions or operating conditions; determining (604), by the one or more control devices (320), an initial operating limit (412) for at least one component of the wind turbine (100) based at least in part on the one or more environmental conditions or conditions operating using a capacity reduction curve (410) for the at least one component, the initial operating limit (412) being greater than a nominal operating limit (424) for the at least one component; During the implementation of a control scheme (300), use a level clamp (416) to limit (606) the initial operating limit (412) to an adjusted operating limit (428) based at least in part on the nominal operating limit (424); and controlling (612), by means of the one or more control devices (320), the operation of the wind turbine (100) based, at least in part, on the set operating limit (428); and characterized in that the determination (604) of the initial operating limit (412) comprises: accessing, by means of the one or more control devices (320), the capacity reduction curve (410) of the component, specifying the reduction curve capacity (410) a plurality of operating limits based on a plurality of known environmental conditions; and interpolating, by the one or more control devices (320), the capacity reduction curve (410) to determine the initial operating condition based at least in part on data indicative of one or more environmental conditions.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Limit for capacity reduction scheme used in wind turbine control

[0001] The present art relates generally to wind turbines and, more particularly, to systems and methods for controlling wind turbine systems.

[0002] A wind turbine can include a turbine that has a rotor that includes a rotating hub assembly that has multiple blades. The blades transform the wind energy into a mechanical torque that drives one or more generators through the rotor. Generators are sometimes, but not always, rotatably coupled to the rotor through a gearbox. The multiplier increases the inherently low rotational speed of the rotor so that the generator efficiently converts rotating mechanical energy into electrical energy, which is fed into a supply network via at least one electrical connection. There are also gearless direct drive wind turbines. The rotor, generator, gearbox, and other components are typically mounted within a casing, or nacelle, which sits on top of a base which may be a frame or a tubular tower.

[0003] Some wind turbine configurations include dual-feed induction generators (DFIGs). Such configurations can also include power converters that are used to convert a frequency of generated electrical power to a frequency substantially similar to the frequency of a supply network (eg, 50 Hz, 60 Hz, etc.). In addition, these converters, together with the DFIG, also transmit electrical power between the supply network and the generator, in addition to transmitting the excitation power of the generator to a wound rotor of the generator from one of the connections to the connection of the grid. power supply. Alternatively, some wind turbine configurations include, but are not limited to, alternative types of induction generators, permanent magnet (PM) synchronous generators and electrically excited synchronous generators and switched reluctance generators. These alternative configurations can also include power converters that are used to convert the frequencies as described above and transmit electrical power between the utility grid and the generator.

[0004] Wind turbines have a plurality of electrical and mechanical components. Each component may have separate or different operating limitations, such as current, voltage, power, and / or temperature limits, than other components. Furthermore, known wind turbines are typically designed and / or assembled with components that have predefined power rating limits. To operate within such power rating limits, electrical components can be operated with large margins for operating limitations. Such operation may result in inefficient operation of the wind turbine, and the power generation capacity of the wind turbine may be underutilized. Also, using components with higher ratings can be expensive.

[0005] Control schemes to allow more efficient operation of the wind turbine can monitor various environmental conditions, such as temperature, altitude, air density, etc., of the wind turbine system and adjust various operating limits (eg, using capacity reduction curves) as a function of operating conditions. For example, a capacity derating scheme can be used to set an operating limit for a wind turbine component based on altitude, temperature, and other environmental conditions. In some cases, the capacity derating scheme may provide an operating limit that is greater than a maximum operating limit specified by the manufacturer of a component. See, for example, EP2781738, US2010133831, US2013049363 and WO 2012/088640.

[0006] Various aspects and advantages of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be learned from the description or may be learned by practicing the embodiments.

[0007] The present invention is defined by the appended claims.

[0008] Variations and modifications can be made to these exemplary aspects of the present disclosure.

[0009] Various features, aspects, and advantages of various embodiments will be better understood with reference to the following description and the appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to set forth related principles.

[0010] The detailed analysis of the embodiments directed to a person skilled in the art is set forth in the specification, which refers to the attached figures, in which:

FIG. 1 represents a part of an example wind turbine;

FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary electrical and control system of an exemplary wind turbine; FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary power limiting control scheme in accordance with exemplary aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary capacity reduction module in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 depicts interpolation of an exemplary capacity reduction curve in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 6 depicts a flow chart of an exemplary control procedure in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. Thus, it is intended to define the present invention by the appended claims. The exemplary aspects of the present disclosure are directed to systems and procedures for controlling a wind turbine by adjusting the operating limits for one or more components (eg, cables, transformers, limit switches, buses, connectors, etc.) of the turbine. wind. In accordance with exemplary aspects of the present disclosure, an operating limit for a wind turbine component can be determined based on various environmental conditions (eg, temperature, altitude, air density, wind speed, etc.) and / or operating conditions (eg, turbine speed) using a capacity reduction scheme. The derating scheme can adjust the operating limit of the component based on data indicative of environmental conditions. For example, as the temperature decreases, an operating limit of the electric current of a component of the wind turbine, such as a cable (for example, rotor cable, stator cable, etc.) can be increased to accommodate more current. . The wind turbine can be controlled based on the operating limit. For example, an operating condition of the wind turbine can be controlled so that the operation of the wind turbine does not cause an operating parameter (eg, an electric current) to exceed the operating limit determined for the wind turbine component.

[0012] In accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure, the operating limit determined using the capacity reduction scheme may be limited so as not to exceed a nominal operating limit for the at least one component as specified, for example, by the component manufacturer. For example, the capacity derating scheme may implement a level clamp that limits the operating limit determined using the capacity derating scheme to a higher or maximum nominal value of the wind turbine component specified, for example, by a manufacturer. of a component.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, the implementation of the capacity reduction scheme may include accessing a capacity reduction curve. The derating curve can specify one or more operating limits based on known environmental conditions. Once the data indicative of the current environmental conditions of the wind turbine is received, the capacity reduction curve can be interpolated (for example, using linear interpolation or other suitable interpolation) based on the known data of the capacity reduction curve to determine an operating limit for the component under current environmental conditions. In some cases, the capacity derating scheme may provide an initial operating limit that is greater than the highest rating of the wind turbine component.

The capacity reduction scheme may adjust the initial operating limit based, at least in part, on the nominal operating limit of the wind turbine component. For example, in one example, the capacity derating scheme adjusts the initial operating limit to an adjusted operating limit that is not greater than the nominal operating limit of the wind turbine component. In another example, a margin may be provided so that the adjusted operating limit is not greater than 80% of the nominal operating limit, such as not being greater than 90% of the nominal operating limit, such as not being greater than the 95% of the nominal operating limit, such as not greater than 98% of the nominal operating limit, or another percentage of the nominal operating limit. In one embodiment, the operating limit can be set to be above the nominal operating limit, such as 105% of the nominal operating limit, 110% of the nominal operating limit, 120% of the nominal operating limit, or other limit. adequate operating limit greater than the nominal operating limit.

[0015] Thus, a technical effect of the example embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least implementing capacity reduction of one or more components of a wind turbine so as not to exceed the nominal operating limits of the components such as it is specified, for example, by the manufacture of the components. For example, implementing a level clamp in accordance with the example embodiments of the present disclosure during the implementation of the capacity reduction scheme for each of the components of the wind turbine (for example, each cable, transformer, switch limit, etc.) can provide additional control to ensure that the maximum nominal operating limits for the wind turbine components are not exceeded while monitoring the operating conditions of the wind turbine.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of an example wind turbine 100. Wind turbine 100 includes nacelle 102 that houses a generator (not shown in FIG. 1). Nacelle 102 may be mounted on tower 104 (a portion of tower 104 is shown in FIG. 1). Tower 104 can be of any suitable height / altitude (eg, 75m, 120m, etc.) that facilitates the operation of wind turbine 100 as described herein. The wind turbine 100 also includes a rotor 106 that includes three blades 108 attached to a rotating hub 110.

The wind turbine 100 can include any number of blades 108 that facilitate the operation of the wind turbine 100 as described herein. In exemplary embodiments, wind turbine 100 may include a gearbox operatively coupled to rotor 106 and a generator.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an example electrical and control system 200 that can be used with wind turbine 100. Rotor 106 may include blades 108 coupled to hub 110. Rotor 106 may also include slow shaft 112 coupled so rotary to the hub 110. The slow shaft 112 is coupled to a gearbox 114 that is configured to increase the rotational speed of the slow shaft 112 and transfer that speed to a fast shaft 116. In an exemplary embodiment, the gearbox 114 it can have a magnification ratio of approximately 70: 1. For example, slow shaft 112 rotating at about 20 revolutions per minute (rpm) coupled to gearbox 114 with an increase ratio of about 70: 1 can generate a speed for fast shaft 116 of about 1400 rpm. As used herein, the use of the term "approximately" or "approximately" in conjunction with a stated numerical value refers to a range of 25% of the stated numerical value. The multiplier 114 can have any suitable magnification ratio that facilitates the operation of the wind turbine 100 as described herein. In one embodiment, the wind turbine 100 may include a direct drive generator that is rotatably coupled to the rotor 106 without any intermediate gearbox.

[0019] Fast shaft 116 may be rotatably coupled to generator 118. In an exemplary embodiment, generator 118 may be a double-fed (asynchronous) induction, three-phase, wound-rotor generator (DFIG) that includes a generator stator 120 magnetically coupled to a generator rotor 122. In one embodiment, the generator rotor 122 may include a plurality of permanent magnets in place of the rotor windings.

The electrical and control system 200 may include a turbine controller 202. Turbine controller 202 may include one or more processors and one or more memory devices. Turbine controller 202 may further include at least one processor input channel and at least one processor output channel. In example embodiments, turbine controller 202 may include one or more computing devices.

[0021] As used herein, the term "computing device" is not limited to integrated circuits referred to in the art as a computer, but rather broadly refers to a processor, a microcontroller, a microcomputer, a programmable logic controller (PLC), application-specific integrated circuit, and other programmable circuits, and these terms are used interchangeably herein. In an exemplary embodiment, a memory device may include, but is not limited to, a computer-readable medium, such as random access memory (RAM). In one embodiment, one or more storage devices can also be used, such as a floppy disk, a compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), a magneto-optical disk (MOD) and / or a digital versatile disk ( DVD). Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, additional input channels may be, but are not limited to, computer peripherals associated with an operator interface, such as a mouse and keyboard. In addition, in one embodiment, additional output channels may include, but are not limited to, an operator interface monitor.

[0022] One or more processors for turbine controller 202 can process information transmitted from a plurality of electrical and electronic devices that may include, but are not limited to, voltage and current transducers. RAM and / or storage devices can store and transfer information and instructions to be executed by the one or more processors. RAM and / or storage devices may also be used to store and provide temporary variables, static (i.e., unchanging) information and instructions, or other intermediate information to the one or more processors during the execution of instructions by the one or more. processors. The instructions that are executed include, but are not limited to, algorithms and / or resident conversion. The execution of instruction sequences is not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuits and software instructions.

Referring to FIG. 2, the generator stator 120 may be electrically coupled to a stator timing switch 206 via a stator bus 208. In an exemplary embodiment, to facilitate the DFIG configuration, the generator rotor 122 may be coupled electrically to a bidirectional power conversion assembly 210 via rotor bus 212. In one embodiment, generator rotor 122 may be electrically coupled to rotor bus 212 by means of any other device that facilitates the operation of the electrical and control system 200 as described herein. In one embodiment, the electrical and control system 200 may be configured as a total power conversion system that includes a total power conversion assembly similar in design and operation to the power conversion assembly 210 and electrically coupled to the stator 120. of the generator. The complete power conversion assembly can facilitate the channeling of electrical power between the generator stator 120 and an electrical power transmission and distribution network. In an exemplary embodiment, the stator bus 208 can transmit three-phase power from the generator stator 120 to the stator 206 timing switch. The rotor bus 212 can transmit three-phase power from the generator rotor 122 to the conversion assembly. 210. In one embodiment, the stator timing switch 206 is electrically coupled to a main transformer breaker 214 via a system bus 216. In one embodiment, one or more fuses are used (not shown) in place of the main transformer circuit breaker 214. In another embodiment, neither fuses nor the main transformer circuit breaker 214 are used.

[0024] Power conversion assembly 210 may include a rotor filter 218 that is electrically coupled to generator rotor 122 via rotor bus 212. A rotor filter bus 219 may electrically couple rotor filter 218 to a power converter 220 on the rotor side, and the power converter 220 on the rotor side may be electrically coupled to a power converter 222 on the line side. Power converter 220 on the rotor side and power converter 222 on the line side are power converter bridges that include power semiconductors. In one embodiment, the power converter 220 on the rotor side and the power converter 222 on the line side can be configured in a three-phase pulse width modulation (PWM) configuration that includes transistor switching devices. insulated gate bipolar (IGBT). In one embodiment, the power converter 220 on the rotor side and the power converter 222 on the line side may have any configuration using any switching device that facilitates the operation of the electrical and control system 200 as shown. described in this document. The power conversion assembly 210 can be coupled in electronic data communication with the turbine controller 202 to control the operation of the power converter 220 on the rotor side and of the power converter 222 on the line side.

In one embodiment, a line-side power converter bus 223 can electrically couple a line-side power converter 222 to a line filter 224. A line bus 225 can couple line filter 224 electrically to a line contactor 226. In addition, line contactor 226 may be electrically coupled to a conversion breaker 228 via a conversion breaker bus 230. In addition, the conversion breaker 228 may be electrically coupled to a conversion breaker 228. electrically coupled to main transformer breaker 214 via system bus 216 and link bus 232. In one embodiment, line filter 224 can be electrically coupled to system bus 216 directly via link bus 232 and may include any suitable protection scheme configured to account for the removal of line contactor 226 and conversion breaker 228 from the electrical and control system 200. The breaker Main transformer driver 214 may be electrically coupled to main electrical power transformer 234 via bus 236 on the generator side. The main transformer 234 is electrically coupled to a mains circuit breaker 238 via a bus 240 on the circuit breaker side. The network circuit breaker 238 may be connected to the electrical power transmission and distribution network via a network bus 242. In one embodiment, the main transformer 234 may be electrically coupled to one or more fuses, rather than to the mains breaker 238, via bus 240 on the breaker side. In one embodiment, neither fuses nor the mains circuit breaker 238 are used, but the main transformer 234 is coupled to the electrical power transmission and distribution network via bus 240 on the circuit breaker and bus side. network 242.

In one embodiment, rotor-side power converter 220 may be coupled in electrical communication with line-side power converter 222 via a single direct current (DC) link 244 In one embodiment, the power converter 220 on the rotor side and the power converter 222 on the line side can be electrically coupled by separate and individual DC links. DC link 244 may include positive rail 246, negative rail 248, and at least one capacitor 250 coupled between positive rail 246 and negative rail 248. In one embodiment, capacitor 250 may include one or more configured capacitors. in series and / or in parallel between positive lane 246 and negative lane 248.

The turbine controller 202 may be configured to receive a plurality of voltage and electrical current measurement signals from a first set of voltage and electrical current sensors 252. In addition, the turbine controller 202 may be configured to monitor and control at least some of the operating variables associated with the wind turbine 100. In one embodiment, each of the three voltage and electrical current sensors 252 is electrically coupled to each of the three phases of the network bus 242. Alternatively, the voltage and electrical current sensors 252 are electrically coupled to the system bus 216. In one embodiment, the voltage and electrical current sensors 252 may be electrically coupled to any part of the electrical system and control unit 200 that facilitates the operation of the electrical and control system 200 as described herein. In one embodiment, the Turbine controller 202 may be configured to receive any number of electrical current and voltage measurement signals from any number of electrical current and voltage sensors 252, including, but not limited to, an electrical current and voltage measurement signal. of a transducer.

In one embodiment, the electrical and control system 200 may also include a converter controller 262 that is configured to receive a plurality of voltage and electrical current measurement signals. For example, in one embodiment, the converter controller 262 may receive voltage and electrical current measurement signals from a second set of voltage and electrical current sensors 254 coupled in electronic data communication with the stator bus 208. The converter controller 262 may receive a third set of voltage and electric current measurement signals from a third set of voltage and electric current sensors 256 coupled in electronic data communication with the rotor bus 212. The controller 262 The converter can also receive a fourth set of voltage and electric current measurement signals from a fourth set of voltage and electric current sensors 264 coupled in electronic data communication with the conversion breaker bus 230. The second set of voltage and electrical current sensors 254 may be substantially similar to the first sensor assembly voltage and electrical current sensors 252, and the fourth set of voltage and electrical current sensors 264 may be substantially similar to the third set of voltage and electrical current sensors 256. The converter controller 262 may be substantially similar to the controller. Turbine 202 and may be coupled in electronic data communication to turbine controller 202. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the converter controller 262 may be physically integrated within the power conversion assembly 210. In one embodiment, the converter controller 262 may have any configuration that facilitates the operation of the electrical and control system. 200 as described herein.

[0029] During the operation of example embodiments, the wind is incident on the blades 108 and the blades 108 transform the wind energy into a mechanical rotational torque that rotatably drives the slow shaft 112 by means of the bushing 110. The slow shaft 112 drives multiplier 114 which subsequently increases the slow speed of rotation of slow shaft 112 to drive fast shaft 116 with a higher speed of rotation. Fast shaft 116 rotationally drives generator rotor 122. The generator rotor 122 induces a rotating magnetic field and a voltage is induced within the generator stator 120 which is magnetically coupled to the generator rotor 122. The generator 118 converts the rotating mechanical energy into a sinusoidal three-phase alternating current (AC) electrical energy signal at the generator stator 120. The associated electrical power is transmitted to main transformer 234 via stator bus 208, stator timing switch 206, system bus 216, main transformer breaker 214, and bus 236 on the generator side. The main transformer 234 increases the voltage amplitude of the electrical power and the transformed electrical power is further transmitted to the network via the bus 240 on the circuit breaker side, the network circuit breaker 238 and the network bus 242.

In one embodiment, a second electrical power transmission path is provided. The sinusoidal, three-phase, electrical AC power is generated within the generator rotor 122 and transmitted to the power conversion assembly 210 via the rotor bus 212. Within the power conversion assembly 210, the electrical power is transmitted to the rotor filter 218 and the electrical power is modified for the rate of change of the PWM signals associated with the power converter 220 on the rotor side. The power converter 220 on the rotor side acts as a rectifier and rectifies sinusoidal three-phase AC power into DC power. The DC power is transmitted to the DC link 244. The capacitor 250 facilitates the mitigation of voltage amplitude variations of the DC link 244 by facilitating the mitigation of a DC ripple associated with AC rectification.

The DC power is subsequently transmitted from the DC link 244 to the power converter 222 on the line side, and the power converter 222 on the line side acts as an inverter configured to convert the electrical power DC link 244 into sinusoidal three-phase AC electrical power with predetermined voltages, currents, and frequencies. This conversion is monitored and controlled by the converter controller 262. Converted AC power is transmitted from line-side power converter 222 to system bus 216 via line-side power converter bus 223 and line bus 225, line contactor 226, conversion breaker bus 230, conversion breaker 228, and connection bus 232. Line filter 224 compensates or adjusts harmonic currents in the electrical power transmitted from power converter 222 on the line side . The stator timing switch 206 can be configured to close to facilitate connection of the three-phase power from the generator stator 120 to the three-phase power from the power conversion assembly 210.

[0032] Conversion breaker 228, main transformer breaker 214, and mains breaker 238 can be configured to disconnect corresponding buses, for example, when current flow is excessive and can damage electrical and control system components 200. Additional protection components are also provided, including line contactor 226, which can be controlled to form a disconnect by opening a switch corresponding to each of the line bus lines 225.

[0033] The power conversion assembly 210 can compensate or adjust the frequency of the three-phase power of the generator rotor 122 for changes, for example, in the wind speed in the hub 110 and blades 108. Thus, in this way, the mechanical frequency and the electrical frequency of the rotor are decoupled from the stator frequency.

In some conditions, the bi-directional characteristics of the power conversion assembly 210, and specifically, the bi-directional characteristics of the power converter 220 on the rotor side and of the power converter 222 on the line side, can facilitate the feedback of at least part of the electrical power generated in generator rotor 122. More specifically, electrical power can be transmitted from system bus 216 to connection bus 232 and subsequently through conversion breaker 228 and conversion breaker bus 230 to power conversion assembly 210. In the assembly of power conversion 210, electrical power is transmitted through line contactor 226, line bus 225 and power converter bus 223 on the line side to power converter 222 on the line side. Power converter 222 on the line side acts as a rectifier and rectifies sinusoidal three-phase AC power into DC power. The DC power is transmitted to the DC link 244. The capacitor 250 facilitates the mitigation of voltage amplitude variations of the DC link 244 by facilitating the mitigation of a DC ripple sometimes associated with three-phase AC rectification. .

The DC power is subsequently transmitted from the DC link 244 to the power converter 220 on the rotor side, and the power converter 220 on the rotor side acts as an inverter configured to convert the DC electrical power. transmitted from DC link 244 in sinusoidal three-phase AC electrical power with predetermined voltages, currents, and frequencies. This conversion can be monitored and controlled by the converter controller 262. The converted AC power is transmitted from the rotor-side power converter 220 to the rotor filter 218 through the rotor filter bus 219 and subsequently transmitted to the generator rotor 122 through the rotor bus 212, facilitating thus the subsynchronous operation.

[0036] Power conversion assembly 210 may be configured to receive control signals from turbine controller 202. The control signals are based on sensed conditions or operating characteristics of the wind turbine 100 and the electrical and control system 200. The control signals can be received by the turbine controller 202 and can be used to control the operation of the conversion assembly. power 210. Feedback from one or more of the sensors may be used by electrical and control system 200 to control power conversion assembly 210 via converter controller 262, including, for example, voltage or power feedbacks. of the conversion circuit breaker bus 230, the stator bus and the rotor bus by means of the second set of voltage and electric current sensors 254, the third set of voltage and electric current sensors 256 and the fourth set voltage and electrical current sensors 264. Using this feedback information and, for example, switching control signals , stator timing switch control signals and system breaker control (trip) signals can be generated in any known manner.

[0037] In accordance with exemplary aspects of the present disclosure, the turbine controller 202 may control an operating condition of the wind turbine 100 based on operating limits determined for various electrical and / or mechanical components (eg, cables, transformers, switches, circuit breakers, buses, connectors, etc.) of the wind turbine 100. For example, one or more of the converter controller 262 and the turbine controller 202 may determine an operating limit for the wind turbine 100 based on the determined operating limits. for each of one or more components of the wind turbine. In one embodiment, the converter controller 262 may determine the operating limit for the wind turbine 100 and communicate the operating limit to the turbine controller 202. The turbine controller 202 may adjust an operating condition of the wind turbine to remain within the operating limit of the wind turbine. For example, the turbine controller 202 may be configured to perform one or more of adjusting a power output of the generator 118 of the wind turbine 100, adjusting a torque of the generator 118 of the wind turbine 100, or adjusting the rotational speed of the rotor. 106 of the wind turbine 100 to stay within the operating limit (eg, a speed limit or power limit) for the wind turbine 100.

[0038] FIG. 3 depicts an example power limiting control scheme 300 that may be implemented by one or more control devices (eg, one or more of the turbine controller 202, converter controller 262, etc.) in accordance with modes of exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The control scheme 300 can calculate operating limits for a wind turbine (eg, a power limit or a rotational speed limit) based on operating limits for one or more identified wind turbine components using a capacity reduction scheme. . Control scheme 300 may be implemented by one or more control devices, such as turbine controller 202 of FIG. 2 or other suitable control device (s).

The control scheme 300 may include a capacity reduction module 400 and a power limit module 320. The capacity reduction module 400 can be configured to determine an operational limit for one or more components of the wind turbine based on at least in part on data indicative of one or more environmental conditions (eg, a measured environmental condition) or operating conditions. The module Power limit 320 may be configured to control the operation of the wind turbine based, at least in part, on the operating limit determined for the at least one component of the wind turbine. For example, power limit module 320 can be configured to adjust a determined wind turbine operating condition based at least in part using capacity reduction module 400.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 3, the derating module 400 may receive data indicative of one or more environmental conditions or operating conditions 304. The data indicative of environmental conditions or operating conditions 304 may be data indicative of one or more of a measured temperature, an altitude measured, a measured air density, a measured wind speed, the speed of the generator, and / or any suitable conditions at or near the wind turbine. The capacity reduction module 400 uses the data indicative of one or more environmental conditions 304 to determine the operating limits for one or more components of the wind turbine.

[0041] FIG. 4 depicts details of an example capacity reduction module 400 in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure. In example embodiments, the capacity reduction module 400 may implement a capacity reduction scheme for one or more components of the wind turbine. In the example of FIG. 4, the capacity reduction module 400 implements a capacity reduction scheme for three components of a wind turbine, such as a stator cable, a rotor cable, and a line cable for the wind turbine. Those skilled in the art, using the disclosures provided herein, will understand that capacity reduction module 400 can implement a capacity reduction scheme for more or fewer components of the wind turbine without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0042] The capacity reduction module 400 includes capacity reduction curves 410, 420 and 430, one for each component with capacity reduction by the capacity reduction module. Each derating curve 410, 420, and 430 can be configured to calculate an operating limit for its associated component based at least in part on data indicative of one or more environmental conditions 304. For example, derating curve 410 It can calculate an operating limit 412 (eg, a maximum electrical current) of a rotor wire as a function of one or more of altitude and temperature. The capacity reduction curve 420 can calculate an operating limit 422 (eg, a maximum electrical current) of a rotor as a function of one or more of altitude and temperature. The capacity derating curve 430 can calculate an operating limit 434 (eg, a maximum electrical current) of a converter as a function of one or more of altitude and temperature. In one embodiment, each capacity reduction curve 410, 420, or 430 may correspond to a look-up table, predefined equation, or other suitable procedure for calculating an operating limit based on data indicative of one or more environmental conditions and / or operating conditions 304.

[0043] FIG. 5 depicts an example capacity derating curve 500 that can be used to calculate an operating limit based on one or more environmental conditions. The capacity derating curve 500 can be based on data provided, for example, by the manufacturer, specifying one or more known operating limits based on known environmental conditions. For example, the capacity derating curve 500 may include data point 502 that specifies an operating limit of I1 as a function of a known temperature and / or altitude T1. The capacity derating curve 500 may further include data point 504 that specifies an operating limit of I2 as a function of known temperature and / or altitude T2.

[0044] The derating curve 500 can be used to calculate a current operating limit IC based on data indicative of current environmental conditions TC by interpolating data points 502 and 504 (eg, using linear interpolation) along of interpolation line 510 to identify data point 520 corresponding to current environmental conditions T ^c . Other interpolation procedures can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0045] As demonstrated in FIG. 5, in some cases, the capacity derating curve 500 may provide an operating limit I ^c that is greater than a maximum operating limit I ^r for the component as specified, for example, in the data provided by the component manufacturer. To address this problem, the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can be configured to set the operating limits calculated by the capacity reduction module 400 based, at least in part, on the maximum operating limits specified for the various components.

[0046] For example, FIG. 4 illustrates level fixers 416, 426, and 436 used in conjunction with capacity derating curves 410, 420, and 430, respectively. Fixer 416 may limit initial operating limit 412 calculated using derating curve 410 based on a signal 414 indicative of a maximum operating limit for the component associated with derating curve 410. For example, fixer Level 416 can limit the initial operating limit 412 to provide an adjusted operating limit 418 that is not greater than the maximum operating limit 414. Similarly, the level fixer 426 can limit the initial operating limit 422 calculated using the derating curve. capacity 420 based on a signal 424 indicative of a maximum operating limit for the component associated with the capacity reduction curve 420. For example, the fastener Level 426 can limit the initial operating limit 422 to provide an adjusted operating limit 428 that is not greater than the maximum operating limit 424. Similarly, the level fixer 436 can limit the initial operating limit 432 calculated using the taper curve capacity 430 based on signal 434 indicative of a maximum operating limit for the component associated with capacity derating curve 430. For example, level setter 436 may limit initial operating limit 432 to provide an adjusted operating limit 438 that is not greater than the maximum operating limit 434.

[0047] The adjusted operating limits 418, 428 and 438 can be provided to the limiter module 440. The limiter module 440 can be configured to compare the adjusted operating limits 418, 428 and 438 and can determine an operating limit 306 for the wind turbine. The operating limit 306 can be determined based, at least in part, on the more limited condition of the adjusted operating limits 418, 428 and 438. For example, the operating limit 306 can be determined so that the operation of the wind turbine does not exceed the operating limit of any of the wind turbine components for current environmental conditions.

Returning to FIG. 3, the operational limit 306 may be provided to a limit selector 308. The limit selector 308 may receive an enable signal 310. The enable signal 310 may indicate whether the wind turbine is configured to dynamically change the operational limit. For example, when the enable signal 310 is true, the limit selector 308 may provide the operational limit 306 as the power operational limit 314. When the enable signal 310 is false, the limit selector 306 may provide an operational limit. predetermined, such as a nominal operating limit for the wind turbine, such as operating limit 314.

The operating limit 314 can be provided to a filter 312, such as a low pass filter. The filter 312 may facilitate the determination of a steady state operating power limit 316 for the wind turbine. For example, filter 312 can be a low pass filter with a time constant of approximately 20 seconds. Other filters can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Filter 312 can be used to filter rapid fluctuations in operating power limit 314 to reduce the effect of transient conditions.

[0050] A wind turbine operating condition can be controlled based at least in part on operating limit 316. For example, in one embodiment, filter 312 may provide operating limit 316 to one or more of multiplier 335 and the multiplier 340. The multiplier 335 can multiply the operating limit 316 by a speed reference value 342 to obtain a speed limit of the turbine 344. The multiplier 340 can multiply the operating limit 316 by a power reference value to obtain a power limit of the turbine 348. In example embodiments, one or more operating conditions of the wind turbine can be adjusted based on the speed limit of the turbine 344 and / or the power limit of the turbine 348. For example, one or more than one generator power output, generator torque, and / or rotor speed can be adjusted based at least in part on the speed limit of the generator. turbine 344 and / or turbine power limit 348.

[0051] FIG. 6 depicts a flow chart of an exemplary control procedure (600) in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The method 600 may be implemented by one or more control devices, such as converter controller 262, turbine controller 202, or other suitable controller (s) (eg, park controller, etc.). Furthermore, FIG.

6 depicts the steps performed in a particular order for purposes of illustration and analysis, those skilled in the art, using the disclosures provided herein, will understand that various steps of any of the procedures discussed herein can be adapted, modified , rearrange, omit, or expand in various ways without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0052] At 602, the method may include receiving data indicative of one or more environmental conditions and / or operating conditions. In one embodiment, the data may be indicative of one or more of temperature, altitude, air density, wind speed, or other suitable environmental condition. Operating conditions can include data indicative of turbine operation, such as turbine speed.

In (604), an initial operating limit for at least one component can be determined using a derating scheme. The component can be any suitable component of the wind turbine, such as a cable, transformer, limit switch, bus, connector, etc. The initial operating limit can be an electrical or mechanical operating limit. For example, the operating limit can be an electrical current limit for the component.

[0054] In one embodiment, the initial operating limit can be determined by accessing a capacity derating curve for the component. The capacity reduction curve can specify a plurality of operating limits based on a plurality of known environmental conditions. The initial operating condition can be determined by interpolating the capacity reduction curve using, for example, linear interpolation, based at least in part on data indicative of one or more environmental conditions. In some cases, the initial operating limit may be greater than a nominal operating limit, such as a maximum nominal value of a operating parameter for the wind turbine component.

In (606), the method may include limiting the initial operating limit to an adjusted operating limit based at least in part on the nominal operating limit for the at least one component. For example, during the implementation of the capacity reduction scheme, the initial operating limit may be limited to the adjusted operating limit. In one embodiment, the set operating limit is not greater than the nominal operating limit for the at least one component. In another example, a margin may be provided so that the adjusted operating limit is not greater than 80% of the nominal operating limit, such as not being greater than 90% of the nominal operating limit, such as not being greater than the 95% of the nominal operating limit, such as not greater than 98% of the nominal operating limit, or another percentage of the nominal operating limit.

In (608), the method may include filtering the set operating limit using, for example, a low pass filter. In one embodiment, filtering of the set operating limit occurs after limiting the initial operating limit to the set operating limit. Filtering the set operating limit can be used to filter out rapid fluctuations in the set operating limit.

The method may include controlling the operation of the wind turbine based, at least in part, on the set operating limit. For example, in one embodiment, the method may include determining an operating limit for the wind turbine based, at least in part, on the operating limit set for component 610. The method may further include adjusting an operating condition of the wind turbine based, at least in part, on the operating limit of the wind turbine. For example, in one embodiment, adjusting the operating limit may include one or more of adjusting a power output from a wind turbine generator, adjusting a torque from a wind turbine generator, or adjusting a rotational speed of a wind turbine rotor.

[0058] Although specific features of various embodiments may be shown in some drawings and not others, this is for convenience only. In accordance with the principles of the disclosure, any feature of one drawing can be referred to and / or claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing.

[0059] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the preferred mode, and also to allow any person skilled in the art to put the invention into practice, including the manufacture and use of any device or system and the mode of implementation of any built-in procedure. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.

Claims (13)

1. A method (600) for controlling a wind turbine (100), the method comprising: receiving (602), by means of one or more control devices (320), data indicative of one or more environmental conditions or operating conditions; determining (604), by the one or more control devices (320), an initial operating limit (412) for at least one component of the wind turbine (100) based at least in part on the one or more environmental conditions or conditions operating using a capacity reduction curve (410) for the at least one component, the initial operating limit (412) being greater than a nominal operating limit (424) for the at least one component; During the implementation of a control scheme (300), use a level clamp (416) to limit (606) the initial operating limit (412) to an adjusted operating limit (428) based at least in part on the nominal operating limit (424); and controlling (612), by means of the one or more control devices (320), the operation of the wind turbine (100) based, at least in part, on the set operating limit (428); and characterized in that the determination (604) of the initial operating limit (412) comprises: accessing, by means of the one or more control devices (320), the capacity reduction curve (410) of the component, specifying the reduction curve capacity (410) a plurality of operating limits based on a plurality of known environmental conditions; and interpolating, by the one or more control devices (320), the capacity reduction curve (410) to determine the initial operating condition based at least in part on data indicative of one or more environmental conditions. The method (600) according to claim 1, wherein the nominal operating limit (424) of the component is a maximum nominal value of an operating parameter for the wind turbine component (100). The method (600) according to any preceding claim, wherein the set operating limit (428) is not greater than the nominal operating limit (424). The method (600) according to any preceding claim, wherein after limiting the initial operating limit to an adjusted operating limit (428), the method (600) comprises filtering the adjusted operating limit (428) using a filter low pass. The method (600) according to any preceding claim, wherein controlling, by means of the one or more control devices (320), the operation of the wind turbine (100) based at least in part on the set operating limit understands: determining, by the one or more control devices (320), an operating limit for the wind turbine (100) based at least in part on the set operating limit (428) for the component; and adjusting, by the one or more control devices (320), an operating condition of the wind turbine (100) based at least in part on the operating limit (424) for the wind turbine (100). The method (600) according to claim 5, wherein adjusting an operating condition of the wind turbine (100) based at least in part on the operating limit (424) for the wind turbine (100) comprises one or more than adjusting a power output of a generator (118) of the wind turbine (100), adjusting a torque of the generator (118) of the wind turbine (100), or adjusting a rotational speed of a rotor (106) of the wind turbine (100). The method (600) according to any preceding claim, wherein the one or more environmental conditions or operating conditions comprise one or more of temperature, altitude, air density, wind speed, or generator (118) speed. The method (600) according to any preceding claim, wherein the initial operating limit (412) and the adjusted operating limit (428) are an electrical current limit for the component. 9. A control system (400) for a wind turbine (100), the control system comprising: a capacity reduction module (410) implemented by one or more control devices (320), the capacity reduction module configured to determine an initial operating limit (412) for at least one component of the wind turbine (100) based on at least in part on data indicative of one or more environmental conditions; a power limit module (420) implemented by the one or more control devices (320), the power limit control module (420) configured to control the operation of the wind turbine (100) based at least in part at an adjusted operating limit (428) for the at least one component of the wind turbine (100); wherein the capacity reduction module (410) comprises a level setter (416) implemented by the one or more control devices (320), the level setter (416) configured to adjust the operating limit from the operating limit initial operating limit (412) to the adjusted operating limit (428) based at least in part on a capacity reduction curve (410) for the at least one component when the initial operating limit (412) is greater than a nominal operating limit (424 ) for the at least one component; and characterized in that the capacity reduction module (410) is configured to determine the initial operating limit (412) by interpolating the capacity reduction curve (410) specifying operational limits based on a plurality of known environmental conditions. The control system (400) according to claim 9, wherein the nominal operating limit (424) of the component is a higher nominal value of an operating parameter for the wind turbine component (100). The control system (400) according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the set operating limit (428) is not greater than the nominal operating limit. The control system (400) according to any of claims 9 to 11, wherein the power limit module (420) is configured to control the operation of the wind turbine (100) by determining an operating limit ( 428) for the wind turbine based at least in part on the operating limit set for the component and setting an operating condition of the wind turbine (100) based at least in part on the operating limit for the wind turbine (100). The control system (400) according to any of claims 9 to 12, further comprising a filter (312) implemented by the one or more control devices (320), the filter (312) configured to reduce a fluctuation of the operating limit.